Ohio State Highway Patrol Will Increase Police Presence on New Year’s Eve

We are just days away from the new year, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is taking precautions to ensure the safety of all motorists.

Experts say New Year’s is one of the most dangerous holidays for travelers. And for that reason, the state highway patrol is increasing law enforcement.

“We had the latitude of deciding if we wanted to have check points or additional patrols. Check points are a great way to reach out and talk to a lot of people because, we stop people randomly. We’ll talk to 2-400 people during a check point. But we typically don’t get many OVI arrests out of those. It’s typically more of an education aspect. So we’re using the funding that we have to have additional patrol that can stop vehicle and check for impaired drivers,” said Lieutenant Boyd.

The state highway patrol stressed the importance planning ahead with your holiday celebrations.

“We know that people will be traveling. Not just celebrating New Year’s Eve. We will have additional patrol on New Year’s Day just like we will New Year’s Eve. We don’t want people to go to their friend’s house drink, eat hot wings, and watch football then drive. We just want them to either stay there, or have someone with them that’s a designated driver to drive them home. To make sure they make it safely, ” said Lieutenant Boyd.

Lieutenant Boyd said troopers will also be ticketing motorist for minor traffic violations as well.